Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Beijing’s 2024 water ecology report shows continued improvement in river and lake health. After years of restoration, the city’s major rivers are turning from murky, algae-dominated systems to clearer ecosystems filled with aquatic plants, signaling a shift toward greater stability and biodiversity.
Last year, 87.6% of monitored rivers and lakes in Beijing were rated healthy, up 4.6 percentage points from 2023. The city’s water health index reached 86.95, marking a 22.9% improvement compared with 2012 levels.
Improved water management and targeted ecological flows in key rivers like the Yongding and Chaobai helped to sustain water levels and restore ecosystems. Groundwater overuse zones have been resolved, polluted water bodies have been cleaned, and rivers hit by major floods in 2023 have continued to recover.
From March to June last year, 118 rivers saw flowing water, stretching over 2,910 kilometers, or 23 kilometers more than the previous year. In total, Beijing has 425 rivers, 50 lakes, and 80 reservoirs covering 416 square kilometers.
Once dominated by algae due to high nutrient levels, rivers now support more submerged and emergent plants. These “underwater forests” absorb excess nutrients and help suppress algae growth, improving clarity and ecological balance.
As water ecosystems improved, biodiversity thrived. In 2024, surveys recorded 459 species of phytoplankton, 461 zooplankton, 238 benthic invertebrates, 93 aquatic plant species, and 74 fish species.
Rare animals such as the Oriental stork, red-crowned crane, and freshwater jellyfish have been spotted in local waters. A new fish species, Cobitis beijingensis, was also discovered.
Despite making progress, Beijing’s water ecosystems remain fragile due to limited natural runoff and poor water circulation in some lakes, according to an official of the Beijing Water Authority.
The municipal water authority plans to deepen collaboration across districts and departments, promote near-natural restoration methods, optimize water distribution, and continue improving disaster prevention, conservation, and water quality – paving the way for a healthier and more beautiful Beijing, said the official.